PFF Preview: Eagles @ Giants, Week 17

PFF Preview: Eagles @ Giants, Week 17

Two NFC East squads will finish off somewhat disappointing season on Sunday, as the 9-6 Philadelphia Eagles will travel to New York to take on the 6-9 Giants.

Unsurprising for a tough NFC East battle, this game will feature a great matchup in the trenches. With health on their side, the Eagles boast one of the NFL’s premier offensive lines. Stud tackle Jason Peters has accumulated the highest pass blocking grade (+22.9) at his position in 2014. Peters also ranks third among tackles with a 97.4 Pass Blocking Efficiency grade. His left-sided partner, guard Evan Mathis, has been his usual self since returning from injury. Despite playing roughly half the snaps of his peers, Mathis’ +21.5 overall grade places him fourth at his position. Keeping quarterback Mark Sanchez upright and opening running lanes for LeSean McCoy will be an important factor in a potential Eagles victory in the season finale.

Despite the recent form of Philadelphia’s offensive line, you can bet that the Giants are feeling confident that their defensive front can generate pressure and cause havoc to Philadelphia’s offense. Defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins has enjoyed a nice season in 2014, ranking inside the Top 10 at his position in Pass Rush Productivity (8.8), quarterback hurries (20) and stops in run defense (21). Meanwhile, Jason Pierre-Paul has been a force against the run, earning 30 stops and an 8.9 Run Stop Percentage – both ranking him inside the Top 5 4-3 defensive ends.

Here are three more notable numbers for each side:

Philadelphia Eagles

Mychal Kendricks – is our highest-rated pass rusher among inside linebackers (+9.4) while also leading his position with 0.38 Yards per Coverage Snap.

Zach Ertz – after a record-setting game against the Washington Redskins last week, Ertz now ranks fifth among tight ends with 1.76 Yards per Route Run.

Brandon Graham – leads all 3-4 outside linebackers with an 18.6 Pass Rush Productivity, which includes 47 total pressures.

New York Giants

Odell Beckham Jr – Quarterback Eli Manning has a 132.5 rating when targeting the rookie wideout, which is the highest mark in the league.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – has defended eight passes in 2014 and has earned a +4.8 overall grade over his past four contests.

William Beatty – has not allowed a sack since Week 9, while only allowing four quarterback hits in that span as well.